Trough Canyon, South Branch of Potomac River, Romney, WV, 10/11/2023

Day outing with our Film Society friends to Romney, WV, to catch a ride on the Potomac Eagle

 The main attraction of the ride through the 6-mile canyon is eagle watching. With its 2000 feet cliffs, the canyon is a prime breeding ground for bald eagles. While we saw a number of them, perched on tree tops or flying low of the water, my camera did not allow me to capture any on film. 

Luray Caverns, Shenandoh Valley, VA, 9/29/2023

A one-day bus outing organized by Howard County Recreational Services led us to 

Luray caverns, the largest caverns in the eastern US. We strolled from one large room with stalagmites and stalactites to another. 

Can't remember which is which? Stalactites stand for "T" or top, and stalagmites stand for "G" or ground. Here at Luray, the rate of growth is about 1 cubic inch every 120 years.

Above, a stalagmite and stalagtite joined somewhere in the middle. 

Look carefully and you will see the water level in the middle of the picture and the stalagtites reflected in the water.

More phantasmagorical formations. 

And, in the middle of it all, an organ. 

 The Wishing Well.  

Good business for the privately owned caverns. We were told that at the end of each year two to three feet of coins are collected from the bottom and donated to charity.    

Berkeley Springs and Cacapon State Park, WV, 9/11/23

 Treasure tour of Berkeley Springs starting at the Roman bathhouse,

passing by George Washington's bath and residence,

and strolling along the many flowering borders. 

Above, an Obedient plant in full bloom.  

Finished the afternoon with a meandering amble along moss covered trails at Cacapon State Park. 

Below, a happy Monarch butterfly caterpillar munching on milkweed.   

                                                                                      

We spent a relaxing three days in Berkeley Springs, WV,  enjoying our ultra comfortable cabin, the surrounding rolling green hills and trails, as well as the town, know for its historic thermal hot springs.   Our first trip away since my shoulder surgery two months ago. 

Patuxent River State Park, MD, 9/2/23

To mark the long Labor Day weekend, and my return to active life after shoulder surgery mid July, we decided to check out the Patuxent River State Park Nature Center.  The volunteer rangers do a fine job of sharing nature's gifts.  The ranger explained that the park is located along the upper 12 miles  (headwaters) of the 115-mile river as it travels to the Chesapeake bay.

Above, our lunch spot along the river.  

Thriving along the river's edge: 

Jewel weed, with it's delicate orchid-like flowers (Impatiens capensis) 

 We were not alone.... see what's peaking around the bend. 

All in all, we spend a pleasant 2-3 hours traveling the almost 3-mile out and back trail. 

A perfect "re-entry" hike!

Cascade Falls Loop, Patapsco Valley State Park, MD, 7/11/23

  

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Third attempt to complete this short hike, a 2.3 mile loop. 

We set out on July 4th, only to turn around at the park entrance given the mile long line of cars waiting to pay the entrance fee.  Last Saturday we tried again, only to turn around after a few wrong turns on the trail and finding ourself without enough water to complete the loop in 80 degree weather. 

Today, on a sunny and not excessively hot, very pleasant day, we were finally able to enjoy the hike and surroundings. This trail could well be named "raspberry loop" for the many raspberry vines lining the trail.  I almost ate my fill!    

                           An easy hike, except for a couple of stream crossings, and

                                 some scrambling when we finally reached the falls,

                                        less than a 1/4 mile from the trailhead.  

 

Middle Patuxent Wildlife Loop trail, Columbia, MD, 7/2/2023

This closest to our house trail was our go-to trail to take a walk with Mylee, my daughter's 18-year old Havanese. Today, however, we walked the trail with my son's dog, Charlie Bowtie, and my daughter's dog, Suna.  Full of energy and enthusiasm in spite of the heat, we hurried along the paths at twice the speed we did with Mylee. 

 Crossing our path without hurry or fear, a beautiful young turtle.

Woodland Trail, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Chincoteague, VA, 5/15/23

Chincoteague is known for its wild ponies that roam on Assateague Island.  

Legends has it that they are descendants of horses that were shipwrecked in the 17th century off the Virginia coast and swam to shore.

If you look closely, you will see a small band of grazing ponies..

We opted to give the Woodland trail a try only to find ourselves assaulted by mosquitos.

Slathered in insect repellant and walking at a brisk pace we did complete the 1.6-mile trail.

 The beach, on the left though not visible from this photo, was an endless expanse of fine white sand.  

 With the added bonus of having no condos or other human construction spoiling the views.

And no mosquitos!  For me, an ideal running beach. Managed to run 3 miles in the light breeze.